For those who love chasing each other on a bike down the mountains, along the rivers and trails, the best mountain bike parks in Montana are calling your name. Wrapped with jaw-dropping views and cool north facing slopes that have been groomed with the sports’ world-class features, there are bike parks throughout Big Sky Country for the novice to the most advanced.
With a lifetime of experience living in Montana’s Flathead Valley, our family at Hollinger Real Estate in Bigfork, Montana can share a ton of our real estate expertise. We can also guide you to the top spots to unplug where there are trails to bike, hike, fish and find yourself plugged-in to the “Last Best Place.
Best Mountain Bike Parks in Montana
Legacy Bike Park
Lakeside, Montana
When Backcountry athlete Parkin Costain’s family was approached with the idea of founding a bike park in Flathead Lake, Montana, they never hesitated—and for those who know them, of course they wanted to be involved. Legacy Bike Park is the culmination of years of hard work and dreams, stemming from a handful of Montana locals’ drive to cultivate the mountain bike community. To get you in the mindset of the theme of this blog, click on this story about how a community-minded group of avid mountain bikers built their legacy to the sport of mountain biking. And then, plan a trip to Flathead Lake to experience this new gem in the Northwest corner of Montana.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish, Montana
Get ready to unleash your inner thrill-seeker at Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Bike Park, where over 20 miles of lift-accessed and cross-country trails await! Picture this: smooth, flowing paths perfect for newcomers, where you can build confidence and enjoy the breathtaking views. And for the seasoned riders craving excitement, the park serves up gravity-defying jumps, berms, and challenging rocky drop-ins that will get your heart pumping. The Bike Park is an adventure playground divided into three distinct areas: the Bad Rock Zone, the B-Side Zone, and the Summit Zone. As you navigate the terrain, you’ll experience descents that challenge you to tackle more than 2,300 vertical feet off the imposing face of Big Mountain. Once you reach the bottom, there’s no need to catch your breath—just hop on the chairlift and gear up for another memorable ride.
Marshall Mountain Bike Park
Missoula, Montana
Nestled in the heart of nature, Marshall Mountain stands out as a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Described as “an epicenter for people-powered recreation” on their website, it truly lives up to this title, offering an all-season playground for adventurers of every kind. With 12.6 miles of meticulously crafted multi-use and single-track trails, there’s always a new path to explore, and the excitement is just beginning—three new trails are currently underway! What makes this project even more remarkable is its foundation in community collaboration. This initiative is driven by the passionate efforts of the Missoula Mountain Bike Coalition (MMBC), which has turned Marshall Mountain into a living testament to innovative trail management. Their partnership with the Five Valleys Land Trust goes beyond mere maintenance, it’s about creating a sustainable outdoor experience for everyone to enjoy.
Ski Discovery Bike Park
Phillipsburg, Montana
One of our favorite family ski resorts is also a favorite in the summer and fall seasons. Nestled on the scenic backside of Discovery (a.k.a. “Disco”), this park is a paradise for thrill-seekers of all skill levels, boasting lift-served access to some of the best flow-style trails out there. With a breathtaking 1,050 vertical foot drop, each run promises an unforgettable rush. Whether you prefer keeping your tires firmly planted on the ground or going all out on the park’s heart-pounding features, there’s something here to ignite your passion for biking. The trails are meticulously maintained to ensure a smooth ride, erasing those not-so-popular pesky ruts and washboard sections. If you have friends and family who are not ready to tackle the trails, they can purchase a Scenic Lift Ticket and enjoy a relaxing ride up and down the chair lift. Whether racing down thrilling paths or enjoying the stunning panorama from above, Disco Bike Park is a great option for your next biking or sightseeing adventure in Montana.
Big Sky Mountain Bike Park
Big Sky, Montana
Nestled in the awe-inspiring Big Sky, Montana, the Big Sky Bike Park offers an unforgettable adventure amid the spectacular Rocky Mountains. Picture this: over 20 miles of lift-served trails just waiting to be conquered, plus many more miles of pedal-accessed terrain for those who love to explore. While Big Sky has long been celebrated for its challenging terrain and jaw-dropping features, the resort has been on a mission to welcome riders of all skill levels. They’ve crafted a variety of machine-built, beginner-friendly trails that promise to make every ride fun for the novice to the most advanced. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the sport, Big Sky Bike Park is a playground for thrill-seekers and casual riders alike, making it a must-visit destination for biking enthusiasts.
Hiawatha Scenic Bike Trail
Lookout Pass, Montana
Get ready for a ride you will remember for years to come! The ride begins with a journey through the 1.661-mile St. Paul Pass Tunnel, famously known as the Taft Tunnel. As you glide through this impressive passage, prepare to be amazed by the stunning vistas that unfold as you follow the crest of the breathtaking Bitterroot Mountains, right by the Lookout Pass Ski Area. This ride is a gentle downhill escapade, making it perfect for adventurers of all ages. Whether you’re a tiny tot discovering the joys of cycling or a super senior looking for a leisurely day out, this trail welcomes everyone with open arms. And worry not about the ride back – convenient shuttle buses are ready to whisk you and your bike back to the top for another round.
Great American Rail Trail
Throughout Montana
And wrapping up the list of the best mountain bike parks and trails in Montana is this historic route. Although there is no official ‘bike park’ per se, we had to include the Great American Rail Trail on our list. If you have yet to experience any of the Trail’s 3,700 miles or one or more of its 145+ existing rail trails, this is a bucket list of all lists for bicycle enthusiasts. The grand vision for developing trails that connect America from Washington D.C. to the state of Washington is no longer a dream. More than 52 percent of the route is already set – with over 20 trails (and more to come) right here in our home state.
Live It. Love It.
If your vision for living a full life includes a home in the mountains where bike trails are short ride from your front door, explore our website now to see the newest listings for lakefront homes and properties for sale in Montana, then connect with the Hollinger team for our local insight and real estate advice.
